Staff

Jennifer de Poyen, Executive Director

Jennifer (she/siya) is a lifelong artist, writer, and yoga teacher with deep roots in San Diego's arts and culture community. A graduate of McGill and Stanford Universities, she was an award-winning arts journalist and small-business owner before joining Space 4 Art as Executive Director. Jennifer’s artwork is widely exhibited and held in private collections in the United States, Canada, and Singapore. Jennifer is a passionate servant leader who is working with a wide range of community stakeholders to build out Space 4 Art’s multidisciplinary, community-based Arts Center, advocate for affordable artist housing throughout the region, and transform the San Diego-Tijuana region into a sustainable, inclusive creative hub.

Michelle Hoyt, Development Associate

Michelle (she/her) is a lifelong music and drama enthusiast and a former elementary music teacher of 15 years. She recognizes the dire need to connect youth and adults from all walks of life with the full range of the arts. With ten years of experience as a servant leader for numerous school and community organizations, Michelle is thrilled to support Space 4 Art’s programs and help the organization build a large-scale, community-based Arts Center for San Diego.

Suchita Jariwala, Director of Operations

Suchita (she/her) is a data-driven and analytical finance professional with a diverse experience across the financial services, manufacturing, and nonprofit sectors. Skilled in project coordination, financial analysis, reporting, internal controls, business-process improvement, and communications, Suchita is an efficient, committed team player with a master’s degree focused in Accountancy — Tax and Finance. Suchita is passionate about arts education as well as building strong reporting and finance processes. After re-establishing and growing Space 4 Art’s education programs post-pandemic, she continues to drive forward the financial goals of the organization.

Rio Villa Ezell, Programs Associate

Rio (she/siya) is an arts producer dedicated to elevating art and culture as essential pillars of communal well-being. Originally from San Diego, she is deeply influenced by the contemporary art and cultural scenes in Europe and Asia, where she has lived and traveled extensively. Rio holds degrees in Theatre and Arts & Cultural Management, combining her love of art-making with her community-building nature. Having produced cultural TV docuseries, theatre in community spaces, and international film festivals, she is eager to channel her passion into Space 4 Art’s programs, community, and artists.